Cheshire East takes steps to combat ‘appalling’ abuse of councillors

Cheshire East Council has backed a raft of actions to help combat the abuse, intimidation and harassment of elected members and offer them support.

Councillors on the authority’s corporate policy committee unanimously voted through the measures following a review – including a survey which revealed the shocking levels of abuse many councillors had endured.  

Death threats, excrement posted through letterboxes, stalking, trolling and obscene phone calls are some examples of the harassment, abuse and intimidation experienced by borough councillors. Over a third had considered stepping down as a result. 

Welcoming the decision to approve the recommendations in full, the chair and vice-chair of corporate policy committee, council leaders councillors Nick Mannion and Michael Gorman, said in a joint statement:

“Councillors are local leaders and champions, bridging the gap between residents and local government. Becoming and serving as a councillor is a massive privilege and responsibility – but it also means councillors are very visible, often easily accessible to residents and all too often receive appalling abuse. 

“We welcome this report and the necessary steps to protect our democratically elected members from abuse, harassment and intimidation. We need debate, not hate – and a kinder public discourse.” 

The recommendations approved include:

• The introduction of a formal reporting process;
• The appointment of a nominated officer for councillor safety;
• Development of a comprehensive councillor safety protocol;
• Provision of lone-working devices;
• Targeted training around conflict prevention and wellbeing; and
• The creation of a member champion for councillor safety – as an advocate to ensure these issues remain prioritised. 

It was also agreed that the council reaffirm its commitment to the Local Government Association’s ‘Debate Not Hate’ public statement, to help support and encourage civility in public life.  

Councillor Fiona Wilson, chair of the review’s task and finish group, said in their report:

“Unacceptable behaviours directed at councillors are becoming increasingly common, undermining democratic engagement and, in some cases, threatening the safety and wellbeing of those who serve their communities.  

“Female councillors are significantly more likely to feel at risk ‘frequently or occasionally’ (41 per cent) compared with male councillors (four per cent). And levels of abuse, intimidation of harassment appear to be increasing.  

“Our work was driven by a clear aim: to understand the scale and nature of the problem and to identify practical, meaningful steps to support and protect our members. Importantly, we have sought to embed a culture of zero tolerance towards abuse and intimidation, recognising that councillor wellbeing was fundamental to a healthy, functioning democracy. 

“The fact that 67 percent of councillors responded to the survey clearly indicates the levels of concern on this issue and that the reported levels of threats of violence and actual violence are completely unacceptable.  

“We have also engaged with the police and the police and crime commissioner and taken their advice on the reporting of incidents. It is positive that councillors now have a dedicated named police officer contact for raising concerns.” 

The report follows a decision by corporate policy committee, in February, to establish the review and to conduct the survey of councillors. 

The key findings of the councillor survey revealed:

• 35 per cent of respondents had considered leaving their role as a councillor because of incidents of abuse, intimidation or harassment;
• 43 per cent of respondents felt the volume of abuse, intimidation and harassment had increased in the last 12 months;
• Over half (53 per cent) of councillors felt council arrangements for protecting them personally were ineffective; and 
• 82 per cent of members had experienced harassment, abuse and intimidation via social media. 

A recent survey by the Local Government Association revealed 73 per cent of the 1,734 councillors from England and Wales who responded, had been subjected to abuse or intimidation in the past year.